The first two great commandments in the scriptures teach us about our relationship with God and with others. Creating healthy relationships with others is important, but they require time and effort. Some essential elements for developing healthy relationships are good communication skills, respect and appreciation, and spending quality time together. Relationships are also enhanced as we look for the good in others and show patience and forgiveness.
Here are a few simple activities based on the letters in the word RELATIONSHIP that you could try this week to improve your connections with others.
R – Reconnect
Reach out so someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. This will let you reconnect and nurture a former relationship. “Great (relationships) are built brick by brick, day after day, over a lifetime.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf
E – Evaluate Habits
Evaluate your social media habits so they don’t take the place of face-to-face relationships. “Sadly, some young men and women in the Church … neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detour that have no lasting value.” David A. Bednar
L – Listen
Spend time really listening to what others are saying and try to see things from another's viewpoint. “Listen(ing) to those of diverse religious or political persuasion can promote tolerance and learning. …Wisdom will come as we listen to learn.” Russell M. Nelson
A – Appreciate
Remember to say thank you and to tell others why you are grateful for them. “Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient will remember them for a lifetime.” Thomas S. Monson
T – Take Time to Talk
Take time to really communicate and connect with someone on a deeper level. “Connection is the energy that is created between two people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement.” Brene Brown
I – Say I Love You
Say these words to those who matter most to you. These are words that should be said often. “To say, ‘I love you’ and ‘thank you’ is not difficult. Russell M. Nelson - “Saying ‘I love you’ is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it.” David A. Bednar
O – Offer Service
Offer to serve others in a variety of simple ways. Buy lunch, run and errand, or bake someone’s favorite treats. “The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.” Gordon B. Hinckley
N – Write Notes
Write a note to someone. Written communication may seem like a small thing, but it can be a powerful reminder of the importance someone holds in your life. “There is no such thing as a small act of kindness.” Marjorie Pay Hinckley
S – Stay in the Present
Sometimes you need to ignore the list of to-dos that linger in the back of your mind and give all your energy to those you are with. “So often we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to enjoy the journey.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf
H – Give Hugs
A gesture such as a hug can mean a lot to the ones we care about. “You hold in your hand the happiness of more people than you can imagine.” Henry B. Eyring
I – Invite Spontaneity
Do something fun and possibly even a little silly with someone you care about. Try surprising them with a small gift or doing something out of the ordinary. “Every day of our lives… we are given opportunities to show love and kindness to those around us.” Thomas S. Monson
P – Be Patient
Refrain from complaining and focus on the positive qualities of others. No relationship is ever free of flaws. Patience is a virtue and perhaps the most necessary thing to keep a relationship strong. “Perfect love is perfectly patient.” Neal A. Maxwell